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GOP keeps door open for Trump to change mind; Trump says no (4,000 RSVPs for Veterans Rally tonight)
The Washington Examiner ^ | 1-28-2016 | Byron York

Posted on 01/28/2016 10:25:47 AM PST by smoothsailing

January 28, 2016

Byron York: GOP keeps door open for Trump to change mind; Trump says no

by Byron York

DES MOINES, Iowa - It's fair to say the Republican Party was stunned by Donald Trump's decision to boycott tonight's GOP presidential debate here in Des Moines. But because they were so surprised - never saw it coming - they realize they could be surprised again, and so are keeping the door open for Trump to change his mind and take part in the debate.

Even after a full day to think about it, and even after Trump announced the "special event" to honor America's veterans he will hold the same time as tonight's debate - 8:00 p.m. Central Time, Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University - even after all that, party officials still want to keep open the possibility Trump will reconsider.

We have to, they explained Thursday morning. Who could have predicted that Trump would pull out in the first place? And now, who can say definitively that he won't change course again?

Well, Donald Trump, for one. "Mr. Trump will not be participating in tonight's Fox News debate," Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told me by phone this morning. "He will be holding a rally to raise money for veterans who have been treated like third-class citizens."

Lewandowski told me the Trump campaign has received 4,000 RSVPs for tonight's event. The theater in which it will be held holds 776 people, so the campaign is working to set up giant screens for an overflow viewing area outside. (Forecast temperature: 28 degrees, fairly balmy for Des Moines these days.) In addition, Lewandowski said 360 members of the media have been credentialed to cover the event.

When I asked whether Lewandowski has had any communications with the Republican National Committee or with Fox News about participating in the debate tonight, he said, "I talk to people all the time, but my communications with them are the same as my communications with you: Mr. Trump will not be participating in tonight's Fox News debate."

But the door will be open.


TOPICS: Extended News; Politics/Elections; US: Iowa
KEYWORDS: trump
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To: samtheman

That’s more people than Hillary got at her last bowling alley appearance in Iowa yesterday!!


21 posted on 01/28/2016 10:41:54 AM PST by browniexyz
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To: smoothsailing

Brilliant move by Trump. It looks to be an overflow crowd.
_____________________________

A created overflow crowd, actually. The brilliant Trump opens in a venue that only holds 776 people then “invites” an overflow crowd and over 300 reporters?

Trump is brilliant with smoke and mirrors.


22 posted on 01/28/2016 10:41:55 AM PST by KittenClaws ( Normalcy Bias. Do you have it?)
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To: smoothsailing

Don’t know if boycotting the debate was a good or bad move, but if he backs out of the Veterans event now it would be disastrous for him.


23 posted on 01/28/2016 10:42:23 AM PST by rightwingintelligentsia (Democrats: The perfect party for the helpless and stupid, and those who would rule over them.)
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To: browniexyz

Trump will chew Hillary up in the general election. I dont care what the polls are saying about THAT, this far out.

I do believe the polls regarding Iowa, a few days away, are pretty accurate.

I do believe Trump will win Iowa.


24 posted on 01/28/2016 10:43:32 AM PST by samtheman (Elect Trump, Build Wall. End Censorship.)
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To: KittenClaws
Trump is brilliant with smoke and mirrors.

When it comes to "opinion," perception IS reality....

25 posted on 01/28/2016 10:44:22 AM PST by papertyger (-/\/\/\-)
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To: rightwingintelligentsia

but if he backs out of the Veterans event now it would be disastrous for him.....Seriously, I don’t know of any Veterans Charity that isn’t a scam.


26 posted on 01/28/2016 10:44:44 AM PST by Safetgiver ( Islam makes barbarism look genteel.)
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To: smoothsailing

27 posted on 01/28/2016 10:45:00 AM PST by McGruff (Boycott Fox News Channel. I am.)
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To: smoothsailing; onyx

This is great news!

Not just for Trump but for veterans and shooting down the intended ambush of Trump by FNC.

Thanks for the heads up!


28 posted on 01/28/2016 10:46:20 AM PST by jazusamo (Have YOU Donated to the Freep-a-Thon? https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: Moonman62
It's fascinating watching this play out. I think as much as the turnout is a Trump endorsement by the people, it is just as much an "Up yours, Fox News!" statement.

I doubt that Fox News was anticipating how their dirty tricks and bias was going to be exposed. Their brand is going to take a sizable hit from this.

29 posted on 01/28/2016 10:47:12 AM PST by Wissa (Gone Galt)
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To: samtheman
I do believe Trump will win Iowa.

I concur. Better yet, it's going to be hilarious on Tuesday morning when the anti-Trump faction here at FR go all Karl Rove, saying Cruz can still win!!!! Lol

30 posted on 01/28/2016 10:52:33 AM PST by dware (Everybody wants to be a patriot, until it's time to do patriot stuff.)
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To: smoothsailing
Lewandowski told me the Trump campaign has received 4,000 RSVPs for tonight's event.

Meanwhile, Hillary runs her events in a "BOWLING ALLEY". Who's got what here?

31 posted on 01/28/2016 10:54:11 AM PST by Don Corleone ("Oil the gun..eat the cannoli. Take it to the Mattress.")
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To: dware

Actually, I suspect there will be a lot of silence on Tuesday, or a lot of dark and somber doomsaying. I dont think Cruz supporters are going to be very optimistic if Cruz cant win Iowa.


32 posted on 01/28/2016 10:54:19 AM PST by samtheman (Elect Trump, Build Wall. End Censorship.)
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To: samtheman

Oh I think so too!


33 posted on 01/28/2016 10:55:10 AM PST by browniexyz
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To: Don Corleone

Thank goodness she didn’t actually bowl.


34 posted on 01/28/2016 10:57:19 AM PST by smoothsailing
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To: dware

I confess I have no idea who will win Iowa but if its Trump there is going to be some slow walkin and sad singin goin on at FR Tuesday. LOL!


35 posted on 01/28/2016 10:57:47 AM PST by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
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To: dware

I confess I have no idea who will win Iowa but if its Trump there is going to be some slow walkin and sad singin goin on at FR Tuesday. LOL!


36 posted on 01/28/2016 10:57:47 AM PST by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
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To: Karl Spooner

Very funny clip


37 posted on 01/28/2016 10:58:29 AM PST by bboop (does not suffer fools gladly)
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To: Georgia Girl 2

Yup just like when obama won .. sad that a nation or even a state will buy snake oil.


38 posted on 01/28/2016 11:01:35 AM PST by Bidimus1
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To: All

39 posted on 01/28/2016 11:07:36 AM PST by jimbo123
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To: jazusamo; onyx

40 posted on 01/28/2016 11:16:11 AM PST by smoothsailing
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